For over a century, Saint Johners and visitors have enjoyed Lily Lake and Rockwood Park--the largest urban park in Canada.

The most recent Lily Lake Pavilion was constructed in the early 1950s and was operated by the Saint John Horticultural Association (SJHA) for more than 40 years. In fact, it was the efforts of the Horticultural Association which led to the official establishment of Rockwood Park in 1894.

At the turn of the 20th century, the first pavilion was erected with a bell shaped cupola, dormer windows and gingerbread trimmings. It was located where a toboggan slide is now, but unfortunately burned following an electrical fire.

Fast forward a full century to the year 2000 when the SJHA began spearheading the current restoration project. The Association formed a committee and backed a proposal from the Saint John Labour Council's Hathaway Trust to form a strategic partnership for the revitalization and long-term operation of the pavilion.

Several organizations have since come forth with generous donations allowing the design and construction of a new pavilion on the old "footprint". Soon, people will be sipping cold drinks and eating ice cream, or warming up with a hot chocolate as they swim, skate and boat from the pavilion in the 21st century!

History (18 photos)